Youngster Killed in Okmeydanı

The fight between two groups last night in Istanbul’s Okmeydanı district left Burak Can Karamanoğlu (22) dead and two other wounded. The neighborhood was also known as the venue for Berkin Elvan’s funeral ceremony. 

Istanbul Governor’s Office released a statement saying that the incident broke out around 10:30 pm local time last night and evolved from a verbal argument to armed fight. 

Besides from the death of Burak Can Karamanoğlu, the fight left Hüseyin Taşbaşı (31) and Ramazan Gün injured from their hand and abdomen respectively. 

While they were hospitalized at Okmeydanı Education and Research Hospital, doctors declared that their injuries were minor. 

According to a video verified by various newspapers, a group presumably of Okmeydanı origin assembled and screamed the words of tekbir - Allah is the greatest - in Fatih Sultan Mehmet Street. While some group members were told to carry bats, they have been confronted by another group who were waiting in front of the house of Berkin Elvan. 

Burak Can Karamanoğlu’s body has been taken to Kasımpaşa Naval Hospital Morgue. Karamanoğlu’s relatives assembled and marched toward the crime scene. 

On the other hand, Beyoğlu distict’s Ülkü Ocakları - youth brach of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) - released a statement of Facebook, denying allegations of involvement. 

“Beyoğlu Ülkü Ocakları has nothing to do with the fight in Okmeydanı. We condemn those who link our cause to those provocative actions and kindly request our followers to ignore these bogus information.” (NV/BM)